The Esports Hall of Fame will welcome Kyle “Ksharp” Miller to its ranks in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of esports.
The former professional Counter-Strike player will be the third player to join the Esports Hall of Fame. Only Counter-Strike’s Emil “HeatoN” Christensen and Quake player Dennis “Thresh” Fong have earned such an honour before him.
The Esports Hall of Fame will induct the American star, who spent eight years playing Counter-Strike at the highest level, during ESL One Cologne next week. The induction ceremony will take place before the grand final on Sunday, 8 July.
ESL Gaming announced the decision in a blog post on its official website. The esports organiser noted Ksharp for his “accolades and contributions to esports”.
A statement written by tournament director Jonas “bsl” Vikan reads:
“Mr. Miller (33) was the first global superstar to spring from the American CS scene.
“”Ksharp” would routinely be referenced in discussions about the best individual players in the world. Mr. Miller helped his teams secure three world championships in three different iterations of Counter-Strike: 1.6, Condition Zero and Source.
“By his peers “Ksharp” was revered both for his human and in-game qualities. Mr. Miller is described as a polite soul, ahead of his time in the early display of Desire, Discipline, Dedication, traits that today are hallmarks of the consummate professional gamer.”
ESL set up the Esports Hall of Fame in 2016 to recognise extraordinary members of the esports community.
Ksharp’s Counter-Strike career
Ksharp spent most of his professional career playing for Team 3D, during which he won four major tournaments. These were the 2001 Speakeasy CPL, 2002 CPL Winter, as well as back-to-back World Cyber Games in 2004 and 2005.
Interestingly, these victories came in three different Counter-Strike games: 1.6, Condition Zero and Source.
Aside from his time with Team 3D, he did also play, albeit briefly, for Team Dynamic in 2013. However, his spell with the organisation was a short one.
Ksharp has since retired from professional play, but continues to turn out for casual side Anonymous5.